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needing a saw

I don't do much with Neander tools anymore. But there is always a need for something not powered.
I need a saw, like a backsaw. Have had several over the years but they were always junk. I'm determined to get a decent one.
Two questions:
What is the difference between a 'backsaw' and a 'tenon' saw?
I'll be going to an antique store about 30 miles away that specializes in old tools. Hope to get quality and save some money. Enney brands I should be alert for?

Not an expert, but

I understand the term 'back saw' to apply to a variety of saws. They all have a stiffening rib or back applied on the back of the blade.

Back saws come in different sizes, point per inch, and in cross-cut or rip tooth form.

Some of the different types I've heard about are: tenon, dove tail, and carcass. There are probably a number of others. If you want to learn a lot more, or check in with an expert, check out Chris Schwarz blog on the Popular Woodworking site (http://blog.woodworking-magazine.com/blog).

Before buying any antique saw think about how much do you want to spend on it and if you feel yourself cofident enough to bring it back to life.

Good new saws are not ( or so I think) that expensive compared to planes for instance.

Besides some brands like Gramercy tools and Mike Wenzloff sell their saws in kit format as well for about half the price of a finished one.
60-70$ for a saw kit is expensive? the same saw costs finished 130-140$? so

Best regards,
Toni

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _________________
web site:http://www.toniciuraneta.comI also dream of a shop with north light where my hands can be busy, my soul rest and my mind wander...

I'm planning more like $15.00 to $20.00.
I went to one popular vendor and their saws were $3.99 on sale for $2.99.
Over the years, I have tossed out several of those cheapies. Really, I'm pretty sure this antique shop will have quite a few in my price range. I can make or repair a handle if necessary. And, I can toss in my electro-bath de-ruster tube if needed.

I'm planning more like $15.00 to $20.00.
I went to one popular vendor and their saws were $3.99 on sale for $2.99.
Over the years, I have tossed out several of those cheapies. Really, I'm pretty sure this antique shop will have quite a few in my price range. I can make or repair a handle if necessary. And, I can toss in my electro-bath de-ruster tube if needed.

My concern would be more on the sharpening and setting side rather on the rust cleaning and handle repair. How good are you at sharpening saws?

I tried it once and the results were "dissapointing" not to use a word that would break the COC rules. I've seen some good dovetail saws at quite cheap prices on ebay (10-15$), Disstons and similars, but my incompetence in sharpening them makes me restrain myself from buying any.

Best regards,
Toni

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _________________
web site:http://www.toniciuraneta.comI also dream of a shop with north light where my hands can be busy, my soul rest and my mind wander...

If you can learn to pull the saw, the Japanese style saws are great, the blades last and last, and if you do hit a nail, you just replace the blades.

Lots of different places sell them in the US.

I totally agree with Stu. The Japanese saws are amazing. I hung a few of my old saws up when Alex sent me one. It didn't take long to get use to the draw action and I love mine now and can't figure how I ever used my old saws before.

Daily Thought: SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES..... NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS...............

My concern would be more on the sharpening and setting side rather on the rust cleaning and handle repair. How good are you at sharpening saws?

I tried it once and the results were "dissapointing" not to use a word that would break the COC rules. I've seen some good dovetail saws at quite cheap prices on ebay (10-15$), Disstons and similars, but my incompetence in sharpening them makes me restrain myself from buying any.

I have perfected the technique for saw sharpening. Here is what I do:
I drive to the other end of town, leave them with the disabled guy who does professional sharpening for extra income. Return in a few days, pay him, take saw home. Works every time.